Dryness Accounts for Decreased Sexual Satisfaction

March 28th, 2013

According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse of the National Institutes of Health, up to 42 percent of women with diabetes experienced sexual dysfunction with a 33 percent increased incidence of vaginal dryness. Decreased vaginal lubrication and resulting vaginal dryness can make intercourse more painful for many women and reduce their sexual desire and response. Gynecologists often recommend estrogen free Replens as an alternative to hormone treatment for vaginal dryness to replenish natural vaginal moisture, making intimacy more enjoyable.

“Once diabetes enters your life, it goes with you wherever you go…even into the bedroom. The most common female problems are vaginal dryness, reduced sexual interest and pain during intercourse,” says Janis Roszler, Past Diabetes Educator of the Year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

“Sexual health after menopause is challenging for most women, but women with chronic diseases have even greater hurdles on the road to satisfying sex. Diabetes is a case in point. Diabetics, even if they are not menopausal, often have atherosclerosis, which damages blood vessels and decreases blood flow to the vagina. The result is diminished lubrication and arousal. Once a diabetic goes through menopause, and estrogen levels plummet, so can sexual satisfaction,” says Dr. Lauren Streicher, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University’s Medical School. “An aggressive approach to restoring vaginal health for diabetics is critical to regaining sexual health. In addition to using a lubricant to reduce friction, it is essential to restore moisture with either a long acting moisturizer or a local vaginal estrogen.”

The effects of vaginal dryness vary from woman to woman, ranging from minor discomfort to painful sexual intercourse. Regardless of the level of discomfort, vaginal dryness can impact daily life. Clinically tested, Moisturizers such as Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer provides soothing and long-lasting relief of vaginal dryness with a patented formula that helps replenish vaginal moisture, helps rejuvenate dry vaginal cells, provides moisture at the source of discomfort and can be used every three days or as needed.